Hey, mama or dada! A baby on the way? First things first, congratulations! Expecting a baby is one of the most joyous periods in life. Designing a dreamy nursery, shopping for tiny and cute baby clothes, preparing to (breast)feed – we’re all in for it! However, as with most things in life joy almost always comes accompanied by worries and challenges. Although these are good worries, tackling all tasks takes time and effort, especially if you’re a first-time parent. Choosing the right crib is a major one.
How to Choose a Crib for a Baby?
We all know all newborns do is eat and sleep. But did you know that they sleep for about 16 hours a day? That much? Yes, they sleep for many hours divided into periods of various lengths throughout the day and the night. That makes the crib a heavily used product equally in the first months and the period after that. When browsing the range of safe and comfortable cribs online, you’ll notice different options, from beautifully crafted cradles to luxurious vetro and convertible cribs. How do you know which one will be best for your baby? Here are the most important factors when investing in a crib that’ll tackle all boxes.
Types of Cribs: What to Consider
Baby cribs come in various sizes, styles, and functionality options; the best one for you will depend on your needs, budget, and available space. Understanding the different crib types will help you choose the right one, ensuring your baby sleeps comfortably and safely.
Standard Size Crib
Full-sized options that give your infant plenty of room to grow are standard-size cribs. They’re perfect if you have a large bedroom or a separate nursery. These cribs frequently have mattress height adjustments, so you can lower the mattress as your child grows and begins to stand. Standard cribs provide great long-term value, typically accommodating your child until they’re ready for a toddler bed around 1.5 to 2 years old. However, they’re bulkier and more expensive than other options like bassinets and aren’t easily portable once set up.
Convertible Crib
Convertible cots have gained popularity due to their adaptability. They start as the standard ones but, depending on the model, can transform into a toddler bed, daybeds, or even a full-size bed. Some cribs offer up to 7-in-1 convertibility, making them a smart long-term investment as they grow with your child from infancy to adulthood. While these cribs provide excellent value, they come with a higher upfront cost and often require additional parts like conversion kits, sold separately.
Mini Crib
Mini cribs are similar to convertible ones but with a smaller footprint, making them perfect for apartments or co-sharing spaces. They’re a great in-between option if bassinets feel too small and standard cribs too big. Many mini cribs come with adjustable mattress heights and can convert into a mini daybed or twin-size bed with the right accessories. However, due to their smaller size, your baby may outgrow them faster than a standard crib, necessitating a sooner transition to a toddler bed.
Portable/Folding Crib
Portable options are available in standard and mini sizes and come with wheels for easy movement. They fold flat for storage and often include adjustable mattress settings. These baby beds are perfect for travel or homes where space and flexibility are key, making them an excellent choice for families on the go or those who frequently visit grandparents. However, they aren’t a long-term solution compared to convertible options, and you’ll need to transition to another sleeping arrangement as your baby grows.
Multi-Functional Crib
Multi-functional cribs combine a sleeping space with built-in storage and a changing station, offering a comprehensive nursery solution in one piece. These cribs can be full-size or mini and usually convert into a toddler or full-size bed with repurposable elements like nightstands. While perfect for maximizing functionality, they require a larger footprint, so they might not suit smaller nurseries.
Always Buy a New Crib
While family members may suggest you use the old crib your grandparents once used, you should only use a modern crib that complies with the most recent safety regulations out of concern for your safety. Furthermore not advised are drop-side cribs, which are less structurally sound than cribs with four stationary sides.
Furthermore, the crib's structural integrity might have deteriorated with time, placing the infant at even greater risk. A gorgeous dining room table or sofa may be worth the danger regarding humidity, and excessive use. However, the risk is not worth it for a newborn who can't get out of a collapsing antique piece of furniture. Purchasing a new crib takes care of this specific concern.
Set Up a Budget
It's entirely up to you how much you want to spend on a crib. Because all cribs in Canada must meet safety regulations, costs will also consider other aspects including design, build quality, and simplicity of assembly and use. However, only let pricing be one of the factors in your crib selection – a crib's higher price only sometimes translates into a more dependable, well-made product.
